Overview
- The 28th Köln Marathon, held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, finished with over 41,000 entrants, a jump of more than 10 percent from last year.
- Kenyan runners dominated the full marathon with Bernard Kiprop Koech winning the men's race in about 2:06:09–2:06:10 and Jackline Chepngeno taking the women's race in 2:21:33, both setting new course marks.
- Organizers confirmed four new course records across distances, including half-marathon wins by Esther Pfeiffer in 1:07:23 and Richard Ringer in 1:01:48.
- The event created major traffic controls across central Cologne neighborhoods with many streets closed until the afternoon, and thousands of spectators cheered runners in sunny conditions.
- The turnout and fast times underline growing local participation and stronger international elites, a trend that will pressure city logistics and shape planning for future editions.